Plant 2026 is fast approaching, and farmers have many decisions ahead that can help make this year more profitable. With economics not as favorable as in the past, and much of Illinois experiencing drought conditions, farmers need to use tried and proven agronomic practices now more than ever. Some practices that I use, and you can use too to ensure 2026 is a profitable year, include early planting, fertility considerations, conservation programs and disease awareness.

EARLY PLANTING

Through personal experience and university research, I can tell you that soybeans planted early have proven to increase yields and return on investment. The optimum early planting window for northern and central Illinois is April 10-30. Early planting results in better light utilization through earlier canopy development, resulting in more soybean nodes and improved pod set. Although much emphasis is placed on the importance of an early planting date, you should make sure the soil is fit and take into consideration insurance dates as well as extended rain forecasts.

FERTILITY

Don’t overlook nutrients and assume soybeans can scavenge them on their own. Treat soybeans as the cash crop that they are and feed accordingly. Ensure sulfur and potassium levels, in particular, are adequate. Early planted soybeans have higher photosynthesis potential and increased branches, nodes and pods. This raises the plant’s overall nutrient demands. A simple soil test can ensure that you have adequate pH (6.3 – 6.8). If soil tests reveal marginal results, consider phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) maintenance applications or use of removal-based fertility guidelines in high-yield environments to avoid potassium (K) stress. This is especially important in lighter soils and provides phosphorus (P) needed for root development.

CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

Conservation practices such as no-till or cover crops can be a source of added revenue. There are several public or private programs that incentivize farmers for these practices, such as the Fall Covers for Spring Savings program in Illinois. One good starting place to find out about programs for which you might be eligible is Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership’s Financial Incentives Database Tool at ilsustainableag.org/findtool/.

DISEASES

Ideally, you should know your disease pressures and work to protect your yield potential. Some options include planting resistant varieties, utilizing seed treatments or applying post fungicide applications to address whatever pathogens you find. Pay attention and be able to identify stem diseases such as sudden death syndrome, brown stem rot, stem canker, phytophthora, and possibly red crown rot. I have also utilized the free soybean cyst nematode (SCN) testing program funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff program in partnership with the University of Illinois to assess SCN pressure. To participate, please contact freeSCNtesting@illinois.edu for a free testing kit.

THE FUTURE

Illinois continues to be the leader in soybean production, and our soybean farmers have proven that they can produce the highest quality, most sustainable soybeans in the world. With a little help from Mother Nature, combined with the resilience of Illinois soybean producers, we will continue to be a world leader in soy production for years to come.